Governance & Wellbeing

The Governance & Wellbeing team approaches our work from a holistic perspective that recognizes the interconnected factors shaping community wellbeing and Indigenous self-determination. We understand that lasting change requires attention to governance, culture, health, social conditions, systems, relationships, and capacity, and we work alongside Indigenous Nations and organizations to develop solutions that reflect their unique cultures, priorities, strengths, and aspirations.

We understand the political, legal, funding, and jurisdictional environments in which Indigenous Nations and organizations operate. Our team is committed to producing practical, audience-appropriate, and actionable tools, plans, policies, and research that support informed decision-making and sustainable change. Above all, we prioritize respectful, reciprocal relationships and strive to build partnerships that endure long after any single project concludes.

Connect with Us

Areas of Work

Our team works across a range of interconnected practice areas that support Indigenous self-determination, governance, organizational effectiveness, and community wellbeing. We support clients across a broad range of sectors, including:

Health and wellness
Child welfare
Early learning and child care
Education and language revitalization
Housing and homelessness
Justice and community safety
Employment, training, and workforce development
Anti-Indigenous racism, cultural safety, and reconciliation

We provide strategic, organizational, research, and advisory services across these sectors, including:

Governance and Leadership

Governance support
Strategic and operational planning
Leadership development
Organizational development
Board and committee governance

Policy, Planning and Systems

Policy development and analysis
Service and systems transformation
Models of care and service frameworks
Data governance and information management
Implementation planning

Research, Evaluation and Learning

Community-based research
Program evaluation
Environmental scans and needs assessments
Indigenous indicators and outcomes
Knowledge exchange and learning

Training and Resources

Training and curriculum development
Toolkits, frameworks, and practical resources
Knowledge translation and exchange
Learning resources and implementation guides
Workshop and educational resource development

Experience

Our team includes researchers,, policy analysts, evaluators, facilitators, and engagement specialists with decades of experience working alongside Indigenous Nations and organizations across Canada. Our team brings a strong foundation in Indigenous Governance, with multiple team members holding graduate degrees in the field and extensive experience supporting Indigenous governance, Nation rebuilding, and self-determination. This focus informs all aspects of our work, from health and wellness system transformation, mental wellness and substance use, child and family wellbeing, and early learning and child care, to governance modernization, policy development, service design, evaluation, workforce development, and organizational capacity strengthening. By combining governance expertise with deep experience in health, wellness, and social systems, we support clients in navigating complex challenges and develop solutions that are culturally grounded, practical, and Nation-driven.

Contact

Kassandra Woods - Technical Lead, Governance & Wellbeing

MA Indigenous Governance

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Email: kass.woods@firelight.ca Phone: (778) 587-1727

"I have been taught by my Elders that there is a direct connection between the health of our bodies and the health of the environment, and that we must approach everything fully understanding and respecting that connection. My work in growing the Firelight Governance and Wellbeing research team is to recognize this balance, and to contribute to the revitalization and restoration of Indigenous perspectives of health and wellness in Nations across Canada. It is a privilege to do this work. Mahsi cho!"

Dr. Rachel Olson

Team Lead, Governance and Wellbeing

Example Projects

Born into my Grandmothers Hands: Honouring First Nations’ Birth Knowledge and Practice in Northern Yukon

Rachel Olson, PhD; Charlotte Moores; and Kathleen Cranfield, RM.

Yukon First Nations have a long history of birthing on the land with Indigenous midwives who held the birth knowledge necessary to safely deliver the next generations. Born into my Grandmother’s hands: Honouring First Nations’ birth knowledge and practice in North Yukon is a collection of stories and
knowledge that set out to explore the history of childbearing in the Yukon.

The main areas of focus in this book are stories of childbirth on the land; the history of traditional Indigenous midwifery and birthing practices; changes in maternity care, including relocation for childbirth; traditional parenting practices; and community values in relation to pregnancy and childbirth process.

Download eBook

Research and Data Collection for the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy

The National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy (NISPS) is a tool in assisting communities, policymakers and governments to work together to address the full breadth and complexity of both risk and protective factors known to help reduce suicide in our communities.

On the third anniversary of the release of NISPS, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announced a research and data collection project (conducted by Firelight) and the launch of a website.

The report presents findings from an environmental scan that was undertaken to support NISPS objectives. The scan involved a review of both grey and academic literature, and a series of key informant interviews with individuals who have experience working on suicide prevention and related initiatives across Inuit Nunangat.